Bach: Leipzig Cantatas by Collegium Vocale Gent

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Four dark masterpieces here from 1723, when Bach was compiling his first great
cantata cycle in Leipzig. None is well-known; yet all contain miracles of
counterpoint, intense word-painting and unexpected orchestral touches. The
virtues of Philippe Herreweghe’s interpretations are lean textures, clarity
and superb, light-fingered instrumental dexterity. The drawbacks are a
tendency towards ponderous, dogmatic, slightly stabby phrasing from the
choir. However, Hana Blazikova supplies ravishing soprano solos, and the
supple-voiced British tenor Thomas Hobbs also impresses. (PHI; out